NSRA Mid-America Street Rod Nationals 2000

Springtime in the Ozarks and a young mans thoughts turn to loadin up the truck and headin to Springfield, Missouri, for the NSRA Mid-America Street Rod Nationals. Whether youre driving an in-progress buildup or a finished boulevard cruiser, Springfield was a great place to be over Memorial Day weekend. NSRA, the Ozark Empire Fairgrounds, and the City of Springfield combined to make everyone feel welcome. With the traditional down-home atmosphere of this Bible Belt town, it didnt take any extra-big effort on anyones part to make you feel welcome. Hospitality is in the air, no matter when you are there. As in the past, Sheraton Hawthorn Park served as the perfect location for registration and the Friday Night Kickoff Party. Located on Glenstone Avenue, close to the Ozark Empire Fairgrounds, the Sheraton is centrally located to the action. Several eating establishments, to suit a variety of tastes and budgets, are located within walking or driving distance along Glenstone Avenue. If you prefer to get away from the crowd, Springfield spreads out in all directions for your exploring pleasure. After checking in at registration, a short drive takes you to the fairgrounds, where 1,950 street rods were in attendancethe most, to date, for this steadily growing event. It would have been higher had it not been for the forecast that promisedand deliveredrain. Mother Nature obviously likes a good rod run as well as the next guy. Of course, not all of these street rods were trucks; however, as everyone reading this magazine knows, trucks are continuing to increase in popularity. At rod runs that were once visited only by trucks of the 40 Ford and 47-48 Chevy variety, a growing number of makes and models are now being seen. Model A Ford trucks seem to be regaining some lost popularity, while early post-war Fords are enjoying popularity for the first time. Everyone we spoke with seemed to enjoy the Springfield run. The fairground has plenty of shade for those who want to sit and relax, and plenty of open area for those who want to show off their perfect paint jobs in the sunlight. Paved streets make cruising all through the fairgrounds a pleasant way to see and be seen. No matter what your favorite rod run event is, Springfield, Missouri, merits your consideration. Pat Newell and NSRA agree, as they plan to be there again next year over the Memorial Day weekend. Well see you there.